Professional Tree Planting

Tree Planting

Planting a tree can be one of the most satisfying and redeeming additions to your property. If done right and with considerable thought, a tree will have longevity, add value to your property and derive benefits to society. If the wrong tree is improperly planted in the wrong location, the tree will not have longevity, either because of poor establishment or if not suited may become a noxious tree. In these cases, the tree does not maximize the benefits to your property and society. In fact, it ends up being a cost.

Getting these aspects of tree planting right  is essential. Let us work with you, beginning with consultation in order to determine the best possible choice of tree and ensure its planted and cared for properly to ensure the tree is well established.

1. Is the tree a small-medium or large tree. Forecasting what the canopy spread and root zone of the tree will be needs to be considered.

2. Is the tree a slow growing or fast-growing species. Fast growing species are sometimes desired as they quickly fill the requirement of shade and privacy, however, slow growing species usually have greater longevity and require longer maintenance cycles.

3. Is the tree native to our area. Native trees are better suited and acclimate better to our climate. Non native trees frequently are noxious trees.

4. Is the soil and hydrology suited to your type of tree. Some trees tolerate sandy well drained acidic soil, others tolerate

Large caliper nursery stock with root balls that are 2-3’ in diameter are preferred over smaller containerized stock since they establish quicker and not root bound.

Before excavation begins, we apply for locates to ensure that no services such as hydro, gas and water will be an issue.  After excavation, the tree is back filled with native soil. In the Ottawa area that is predominated by marine clay, amending the backfill with potting soil that is highly permeable will result in water percolating quickly through the backfill and then sitting on top of high structured soil like clay. This is referred to as perched water and will quickly starve roots of oxygen and/or cause root rot. Therefore we do not we use the native soil for the backfill.

The excavation should be 2-3 times the size of the root ball. In terms of the depth, when the tree is planted the root collar of the tree should be above grade. However, excavating deeper and then backfilling to adjust he height of the tree is desirable.

As part of our practise we always mix Mycorrhizae into the backfill!